Yeshua’s First Recorded Miracle: Water to Wine

John 2:1–12— And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Yeshua was there, and both Yeshua was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. When they wanted wine, the mother of Yeshua said unto him, “They have no wine.” Yeshua said unto her, “Woman, what have I to do with you? Mine hour is not yet come.” His mother said unto the servants, “Whatever he says unto you, do it.” And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Yeshua said unto them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said unto them, “Draw out now, and bring it unto the superintendent of the dining room.” And they brought it. When the superintendent of the dining room had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not where it came from (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the superintendent of the dining room called the bridegroom and said unto him, “Every man at the beginning does set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse, but you have kept the good wine until now.” This beginning of miracles did Yeshua in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples, and they continued there not many days.

Prophetic Points to Analyze:

• verse 1— and the third day
• verse 1— a marriage
• verse 1— in Cana of Galilee
• verse 3— wine
• verse 6— six water pots of stone
• verse 7— water
• verse 10— old versus new wine
• verse 11— this was the first miracle of Yeshua’s ministry

“And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee …” The phrase “the third day” is a prophetic term meaning “in three thousands years” or “in the third millennia” (cp. Gen 22:4; Exod 19:11; Hos 6:2). In this passage, “the third day” is pointing to the time when there will be a marriage between Yeshua and his bride (the saints, Rev 19:7–9).

The wedding occurred at Cana of Galilee. Galilee is in the historic homeland of the house of Israel (Ephraim) or Northern Kingdom, yet in the time of Yeshua all the Israelites who lived in the northern part of Israel were called “Jews.” However, some of these could have descended from either of the two houses of Israel. By this time, Ephraim had lost her title as a separate kingdom having been deported as slaves into Assyria. When some from Judah returned from their captivity in Babylon having maintained their Jewish identity, those of the Northern Kingdom still living in the land who joined themselves to Judah likewise became known as “Jews.” Similarly, in the modern Jewish Orthodox religion, if a non-Jew converts to Judaism he becomes adopted into Judah, becomes a “Jew,” and is granted all the rights of a full-blooded descendant of Judah, including the right to immigrate to Israel as a citizen of that nation.

The wedding Yeshua attended was a prophetic shadow of his own wedding that will occur at his second coming just prior to the beginning of the Messianic Era or Millennium. His bride will be neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile), but will be to the one new man, which is a reunited kingdom of Israel or the whole house of Israel (Eph 2:11–19) comprised of both of the houses of Israel and Judah with each being accompanied by their Gentile companions (Ezek 37:15ff); that is, their mixed multitudes including their “Ephraims” and “Manassehs” (who had an Egyptian mother) and their Rahabs and their Ruths (who were totally non-Israelitish).

What is the significance of six stone water pots? Why the change from water to wine? The latter wine was better than the former. The Jewish sages teach that the Torah is equivalent to water stored in clay pots (a metaphor for humanity, with clay pots being the most average of vessels), and that Torah-truth descends drop by drop (like rain) until it becomes a river (of life). Water stays fresher longer only in clay (not gold or silver) vessels. Though water eventually grows stale in a pot, Torah never grows stale, for in this regard it is like wine that improves with age. Wine, unlike water, gladdens the heart. So Torah in a human vessel is similar to both water and to wine.Wine is merely enriched water, or Torah at a higher, richer state. At Yeshua’s own wedding, he, who is both the Living Torah-Word of Elohim and the Written Torah-Word, will elevate Elohim’s Torah-Word to a higher state for the enrichment of those attending the wedding supper of the Lamb during the Messianic Age (Millennium). Wine is the fruit of a vineyard. Israel is YHVH’s vineyard¹⁸² (Isa 5:1–7; Jer 12:10–11). During the Millennium, Yeshua will enjoy the fruits of his labor from his vineyard.

It is significant that this is the first miracle that the Gospels record that Yeshua performed. Indeed, it will require a miracle for the 2700 year old breach between the two houses of Israel to be healed, as well as their breach with their Elohim and his Torah-covenants. Only Messiah Yeshua will be able to heal this rift and bring the two houses back together as prophesied in Ezekiel 37:15–28. The result of reunion will be the formulation of a renewed Torah covenant or marriage agreement (ketubah) with his bride, the restored and reunited people of Israel (Jer 31:31, 33). The fact that this was Yeshua’s first recorded miracle underscores the importance that should be placed on the reunification of the two houses of Israel as a significant part of the gospel message. The “good news” or gospel message is that of the restored and reunited kingdom of Israel through Yeshua the Messiah!